"darkness, Jn. 6:17; 20:1; privacy, Mt. 10:27; Lk. 12:3; met. moral or spiritual darkness, Jn. 1:5 (2x); 8:12; 12:35, 46; 1 Jn. 1:5; 2:8, 9, 11*"
Definition and meaning
darkness, Jn. 6:17; 20:1; privacy, Mt. 10:27; Lk. 12:3; met. moral or spiritual darkness, Jn. 1:5 (2x); 8:12; 12:35, 46; 1 Jn. 1:5; 2:8, 9, 11*
In the original Greek the word is written: σκοτία
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of skotia (G4653) across the King James Bible.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
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Common questions
Strong's G4653 (skotia) is a Greek word that means: darkness, Jn. 6:17; 20:1; privacy, Mt. 10:27; Lk. 12:3; met. moral or spiritual darkness, Jn. 1:5 (2x); 8:12; 12:35, 46; 1 Jn. 1:5; 2:8, 9, 11* It appears 12 times in the King James Bible.
The word skotia (G4653) appears 12 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4653 is skotia, a Greek word defined as: darkness, Jn. 6:17; 20:1; privacy, Mt. 10:27; Lk. 12:3; met. moral or spiritual darkness, Jn. 1:5 (2x); 8:12; 12:35, 46; 1 Jn. 1:5; 2:8, 9, 11*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
skotia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.